He was born November 28, 1945 in Braham, MN, to Florence L. Mattson (McCall) and Elmer A. Mattson.

Whiskers lived in MN, SD, IA and recently MA. He graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1964 and completed training at Dunwoody Institute for drafting and electronics. He worked as a welder (one of the best) for most of his life, with a short stint of truck driving. He had many a story to tell to a listening ear, usually involving some escapade he saw or was a part of. He had been a volunteer fire fighter and had many interests including metal working, wood carving, gemstones, and collecting stuff for future inventions or "monkey business" as he liked to call it. He enjoyed all the sciences, especially chemistry and plant propagation. His engineering brain could fix most any problem. Whiskers enjoyed talking with every person he met throughout his life journey.

He will be missed by his children Jannelle Jacobs (David) and Brian Mattson (Jane), 5 grandchildren and 7 great grands, all residing in SD. Also brothers Bruce Mattson (Jean) Shoreview, MN Leonard Mattson (Brenda) Mora, MN and sisters Mary Good (Robert) Pocatello, ID Julianne Mattson MN & ID and Karen Mattson (James Murphy) Petersham, MA and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father in 1983, mother in 2016 and infant brother Daniel G Mattson in 1944.

Per Whiskers wishes, cremation was arranged by Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S.Barre Rd Barre, MA. No services at this time, family will have a memorial service at a later date in the midwest.

Service Details

Condolences

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of James here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. You can upload cherished photographs, or share your favorite stories, and can even comment on those shared by others.

PLEASE NOTE: The reproduction of any copyrighted images is forbidden without express written permission from the copyright holder. We reserve the right to delete, without warning or notice, any image in violation of any copyright laws.

Photos & Videos

Photo Album

PLEASE NOTE: The reproduction of any copyrighted images is forbidden without express written permission from the copyright holder. We reserve the right to delete, without warning or notice, any image in violation of any copyright laws.

Subscribe to Updates By Email

Connect with families at their time of loss.

By subscribing to email updates, you will receive two daily updates containing all new stories, photos, condolences, and more. You will also receive a one-time email, one week prior to the anniversary of death. The email will only serve as a reminder should you choose to connect with the family at what will no doubt be a difficult time.